US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB874

Introduced
1/31/25  
Refer
1/31/25  

Caption

To amend title 38, United States Code, to modify the rate of pay for care or services provided under the Community Care Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs based on the location at which such care or services were provided, and for other purposes.

Impact

If enacted, HB 874 would impact the way payment rates are determined and disbursed to healthcare providers serving veterans. The amendment intends to ensure that the payment system accounts for variations in care costs in different settings, such as inpatient hospitals, outpatient departments, ambulatory surgical centers, and physician offices. This change could lead to more equitable compensation structures that align better with real-world service provision costs, thereby potentially improving access to care for veterans across various locations.

Summary

House Bill 874 aims to amend title 38 of the United States Code concerning the payment rates for care or services provided under the Community Care Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The bill proposes to modify the existing structure by establishing specific payment rates based on the location where services are rendered. This change signifies a shift towards a more location-sensitive approach to compensating providers, recognizing that costs may vary significantly depending on geographic factors and types of healthcare facilities involved.

Contention

While the bill presents a framework aiming to enhance the compensation framework for veteran healthcare services, discussions may arise regarding the implementation and efficacy of the location-based payment model. Stakeholders might debate whether the modifications sufficiently address existing disparities in care access and quality among veterans, particularly in rural versus urban settings. Additionally, there could be concerns over how the changes will align with current budgetary constraints within the VA, which might influence the availability and quality of care offered to veterans.

Congress_id

119-HR-874

Policy_area

Armed Forces and National Security

Introduced_date

2025-01-31

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB8057

To amend title 38, United States Code, to modify the rate of pay for care or services provided under the Community Care Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs based on the location at which such care or services were provided, and for other purposes.

US HB873

To amend title 10, United States Code, to modify the rate of pay for care or services provided under the TRICARE program based on the location at which such care or services were provided.

US SB654

A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish an external provider scheduling program to assist the Department of Veterans Affairs in scheduling appointments for care and services under the Veterans Community Care Program, and for other purposes.

US HB5593

To amend title 38, United States Code, to include eyeglass lens fittings in the category of medical services authorized to be furnished to veterans under the Veterans Community Care Program, and for other purposes.

US HB7950

To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs in the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

US HB6585

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to temporarily extend the period during which certain individuals may file claims for medical care under the CHAMPVA program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

US HB71

Veterans Health Care Freedom Act This bill requires the Center for Innovation for Care and Payment within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a three-year pilot program to improve the ability of veterans who are enrolled in the VA health care system to access hospital care, medical services, and extended care services through the covered care system by providing such veterans with the ability to choose health care providers. Under the bill, the covered care system includes VA medical facilities, health care providers participating in the Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP), and eligible entities or providers that have entered into a Veterans Care Agreement. A veteran participating in the program may elect to receive care at any provider in the covered care system. The pilot program removes certain requirements (e.g., location of the veteran) to access care at VA and non-VA facilities. After four years, the bill permanently phases out the requirements for accessing care under the VCCP and Veterans Care Agreements and requires the VA to provide such care under the same conditions of the pilot program. Additionally, after four years, veterans may receive care at a VA medical facility regardless of whether the facility is in the same Veterans Integrated Service Network as the veteran.

US HB1400

To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish a presumption that certain veterans were exposed to radiation and other toxins at the Nevada Test and Training Range for purposes of the treatment of certain disabilities under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

US SR566

A resolution recognizing that care provided by employees of the Department of Veterans Affairs is essential for meeting the health care needs of veterans of the United States.

US HB7472

To amend title 38, United States Code, to repeal a certain limitation on the receipt of assistance under both the Department of Veterans Affairs Veteran Readiness and Employment program and Department of Veterans Affairs educational assistance programs.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.